Secrets of Dancing With the Stars
When Dancing With the Stars premieres on Monday, September 22, a new batch of hoofers will hit the dance floor. In Touch went behind the scenes with this season's cast to get the scoop on the drama in the dance floor. For example TV personality Brooke Burke reveals where she'd put her mirror ball trophy if she takes home the grand prize, and Lance Bass tells us how he’s getting healthier. Joining Brooke and Lance are Hannah Montana’s Cody Linley, singer Toni Braxton, reality star Kim Kardashian, gold medal-winning athletes Misty May-Treanor and Maurice Greene, celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito, soap diva Susan Lucci, comedian Jeffrey Ross, retired football player Warren Sapp, actor Ted McGinley and 82-year-old Oscar winner Cloris Leachman.
For more from the cast, click here and buy this week's In Touch.
Maurice Greene, 34, was once “The World’s Fastest Man” after winning a gold medal for the 100-meter sprint and the 4x100 meter relay at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. He is partnered with Cheryl Burke.
What’s your biggest worry about doing the show?
I’m having a lot fun with it, but my biggest worry is me falling on the opening show or dropping Cheryl! It hasn’t happened yet, but I have stepped on her feet a lot.
Did your day job prepare you in any way for the show?
The Olympics and ballroom dancing have nothing in common. You’re doing two completely different things. I would say my mentality of trying to be perfect helps me in this. If I don’t get it, I go straight back to it. Cheryl is trying to explain to me and I am just trying to get it. So my work ethic helps me. I might joke around a lot and keep Cheryl laughing, but I am working very hard.
Is there a past season contestant you most identify with and why?
All of the athletes. I went back and looked at Emmett Smith’s dances and Jason Taylor’s stuff to get a real feel for how they did things. I didn’t call them or anything for advice, but I will say it looks a lot easier than it is and I have a new respect for all ballroom dancers. They used to say dancing would be in the Olympics and I was one of those saying, “dancing is not a sport." And now, they have my vote to go into the Olympics. I’m not good enough to compete, though.
Susan Lucci, 61, the queen of daytime drama (she’s played All My Children’s Erica Kane since 1970), has been paired with Tony Dovolani.
Did your day job prepare you in any way for the show?
I definitely feel that playing the role of Erica Kane will help me on Dancing With the Stars. Each dance tells a story and each story has a different character to portray. Erica has done so many things and there are so many layers to Erica that I’ve been able to portray that may help me in getting into the various dance characters and expressing emotion in a different way than I do on screen.
Since you started training, have you noticed significant body changes?
It will be a balance to make sure I don’t lose weight by the increase in physical activity or gain weight by supplementing my diet to counter the additional calories burned each day. I do, however, look forward to seeing changes in my body with the continued toning that I gain in addition to the Pilates I’ve already been doing for many years.
What’s your biggest worry about doing the show?
The schedule. I’ll have to fly out to LA every Saturday for fitting and rehearsals for the two shows on Monday and Tuesday and then fly back to NYC on Tuesday night to tape All My Children on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. But I am definitely ready to take it on.
Kim Kardashian, 27, is a stylist and star of Keeping Up With the Kardashians — who’s also known for her famous posterior. Her partner is defending champion Mark Ballas.
Who are you most nervous to dance against and why?
I’m most nervous to dance around Lance Bass because coming from NSync, he clearly has an amazing dance background — whereas I have none!
Since you starting training, have you noticed significant body changes?
I definitely have seen a change in my body! I’m getting more toned up. It’s definitely inspiring and I will want to keep it up!
Do you have a place picked already for the trophy if you win?
My mom will probably steal my trophy and keep it at her house!
Ted McGinley, 50, is a fixture in popular culture thanks to appearances on dozens of TV shows, including Happy Days, Dynasty and Married … With Children. His partner is newcomer Inna Brayer.
Who are you most nervous to dance against and why?
Well, you can’t look past Lance Bass. I just know he’ll be great. He’s also worked with choreography, so when you see the list you start wondering who the ringers are. Toni Braxton has had a lot of experience and she is just so beautiful and will be a force to be reckoned with. I also think Susan Lucci will be very elegant. I’ve seen her dance before and she’ll be great. She also brings a huge fan base. I’m hoping to bring my two fans with me.
Is there a past season contestant you most identify with and why?
Adam Corolla. He’s a good measure of what’s cool and not cool and I thought if he did it, it must be okay. Also Cameron Mathison is a friend of mine and he made it look like fun. I’ve e-mailed with Marlee Matlin, who has been a great help. She’s exceptional. And seeing athletes like Emmett Smith do it, I said guys are doing this and there is no reason not to.
Do you have a place picked already for the trophy if you win?
I’m just trying to get past the first week and if I make it past that, that’ll be my win. But if I do win, it’s going on my roof so all the people that drive by can see it. I’m trying to pick a good spot for it now, but my wife won’t let me climb on the roof because it’s super steep. So I need to find a roof guy who can repair shingles and place the trophy. If you hear of anyone who specializes in those two, please let me know.
Brooke Burke, 37, is a host, actress, entrepreneur and mother of four (her youngest child, son Shaya, was born in March) who has been paired with Derek Hough.
Did your day job prepare you in any way for the show?
I love working in front of a live audience and I’m used to being in front of the camera, but I don’t think there is anything you can do to prep for this. This is one of those opportunities that brings out your true colors. It shows a vulnerable side, as we’re doing something we’ve never done before and allowing ourselves to be judged in front of millions of people. Oh, and can I just say Epsom Salt Baths? I’ve been taking a lot of those!
Since you started training, have you noticed significant body changes?
I’m not trying to lose any more weight and I’m actually increasing my calories, but the body totally changes. I have never trained for anything six hours a day. Ever! I’m getting incredibly strong and stretching everyday is getting me more flexible. The quickstep is a great cardio workout with a lot of running. It’s intense training, head to toe. A lot of these moves are difficult and painful to do and require strength and endurance along with coordination. I’m hoping it will all tone and tighten. I want to be healthy for Derek and also for our team so we can be as strong as we can.
Do you have a place picked already for the trophy if you win?
Gosh, I really haven’t gotten that far in my mind. I’m just trying to survive right now. But I’m sure the trophy will be rotating between four bedrooms in our house!
Lance Bass, 29, a former member of 'NSYNC and cosmonaut trainee, teams with former So You Think You Can Dance? contestant Lacey Schwimmer.
Did your day job prepare you in any way for the show?
Definitely. Especially with the dedication and the long hours I am used to. It’s bringing back a lot of bad memories because I was always the one [in 'NSync] that complained about having to do choreography, only because it took me longer. Once it was done I had so much fun, but that process of learning — I mean it really hurts my brain. But I like to challenge myself, so I’m doing the show.
Since you starting training, have you noticed significant body changes?
Yeah, actually when I learned I’d be doing the show, I started to hit the gym pretty hard. I wanted to get my cardio up so I wasn’t breathing really heavy and looking like I was totally out of shape. That was a good thing and my body has definitely changed from two months ago. I’ve lost about seven pounds and I’ve started to tone up. It’s been good inspiration and makes me want to continue doing it and getting healthy. I’ll continue the gym afterwards, as it definitely kick-started a healthier lifestyle for me.
Do you have a place picked already for the trophy if you win?
I haven’t really picked a place, although I’d really like the trophy! I have this infatuation with disco balls, so it’d be nice to have a disco ball on my mantle. There is a lovely place that I could clear out above the fireplace. I’ll put little spotlights on it and give it a little turntable, too.
Toni Braxton, 41, is a six-time Grammy winner who has also starred on Broadway. Her partner is season one champ Alec Mazo.
Did your day job prepare you in any way for the show?
Absolutely! I already have a lot of experience with performing in front of live audiences in my concerts and Vegas show, so I am comfortable with it. I had some dance experience with my music videos in which I was actually able to participate in the choreography, so I enjoy working with choreographers and the chance to create with them. I even got the chance to learn some ballroom dancing — I think it was tango inspired — for my Spanish Guitar video, and I loved every minute of rehearsing and performing that number.
Since starting training, have you noticed significant body changes?
Of course you start to notice the changes right away, and what gal wouldn’t be happy about that? I’m more toned, more flexible — get your head out of the gutter. I am most looking forward to getting healthier.
Do you have a place picked already for the trophy if you win?
No, not yet — ask me after the 22nd. I am just trying to get through the first few weeks.
Cloris Leachman, 82, already has an Oscar, nine Emmys and a Golden Globe, but she and Corky Ballas (Mark’s father, who is competing on the show for the first time) might add a DWTS trophy to her collection.
What’s your biggest worry about doing the show?
Well, I am really six years old, only no one recognizes that. That is my real age. But sure, I was worried about doing it and could I do it. But honestly, it’s been the most thrilling, wonderful, fun thing I can imagine.
Who are you most nervous to dance against and why?
No one in particular, but I think Kim Kardashian or Cody could win. You don’t know what your competition is.
Since starting training, have you noticed significant body changes?
I haven’t noticed a lot of changes, though I’d like to. I have lost about five pounds, but have more to go. But I lose four and gain five. I like food, it’s delicious and there you go and you have eaten it. Oops!
Do you have a place picked already for the trophy if you win?
I am going to dig a hole in the wall to put it in or hang it from the ceiling — I’m teasing. Maybe I could sleep with it, but honestly I would adore to win it, but don’t think I am going to.
Chef Rocco DiSpirito, 41, starred on his own reality show, The Restaurant, and his new A&E series, Rocco Gets Real, debuts in October. He’ll be dancing with Karina Smirnoff.
Who are you most nervous to dance against?
Cloris Leachman — she already told me she knows where my family lives, but seriously, everyone!
Did your day job prepare you in anyway for the show?
My day job requires me to stand in place, chop onions and burn myself, not a lot of complementary skills there. At least the pain is familiar, though.
Since starting training, have you noticed significant body changes?
Yes, I have noticed that six new muscle groups are in constant pain and my sweat glands are performing like world champs!
Comedian Jeffrey Ross, 43, is also know as the “Roast Master General” for all his appearances on roasts of stars from William Shatner to Hugh Hefner. Jeff is teamed with Edyta Sliwinksa, who has competed in all seven seasons of the show.
What’s your biggest worry about doing the show?
I am going to be the first contestant to gain weight on the show. I get really hungry afterwards. I dragged Edyta to a Carnegie Deli in NYC and made her try some Jewish soul food. I am eating every mouthful like I am never going to eat again.
Who are you most nervous to dance against and why?
Well, Cloris Leachman seems to have a huge crush on me, so I am not sure if nervous is the right word, more scared. She has a lot of experience and has promised to bring her Oscar into the bedroom. She is quite a riot.
Did your day job prepare you in anyway for the show?
One thing that happens is that when the music starts, your body takes over. It’s the same way in stand up. You can be really nervous, but once I am out, there is something that puts you on autopilot. And timing — comedy and dancing are about timing, so I have that natural ability and it’s starting to show now that I have the steps down. Well, I am trying to convince myself that I am doing well.
Is there a past season contestant you most identify with and why?
My friend Adam Corolla kind of busted down the comedy doors last season and gave me some great advice about confronting your challenges and having fun with the experience. I also called Penn and Jason Taylor, I feel I have some past contestants rooting for me.
